Leahy to hold first gun control hearings

1/16/13 10:53 AM EST

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) said on Wednesday morning that he will hold the first congressional hearings on gun control legislation and thinks ending the gun show loophole will have enough support in Congress.

"I think we can close the gun show loophole," said Leahy, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. "I think we can tighten [our] background checks."

He also signaled support for limiting high-capacity magazines. Leahy pointed out that Vermont has some of the nation's laxest gun laws, saying one of the only restrictions is that during deer season rifles can't carry more than six rounds in a magazine.

"Are we going to say we're going to be more protective of our deer than our children?" Leahy said. "I think not."

Leahy said he will push for bills he thinks he can pass.

"There are some who will say nothing can pass," he said. "I disagree with this."